Positive Alternatives

Focus on REAL problems, not made up ones. We all will be better off for you sage choice.

Ben Pohl suffered serious injuries when he drove distracted 17 years ago during his teen age years. In an era when we are mesmerized by our smartphones, Ben reminds young people that there is more to driving distracted than simply locking your eyes onto your electronics when you drive. www.benpohlspeaks.com  

Nothing new under the sun. The first arrest for Marijuana in Illinois after January 1st for Driving Impaired will be big news. Those who are against the legalization of marijuana will point to the story as evidence of "I told you so". So sorry, but folks have been driving high for many years now on more than alcohol. What is old news will be made to appear as new news.

Felicia Miceli lives with Bella, who is her late son Louie's dog. She works day in and day out reminding parents and their children of the life and death struggle so many face with opioid and heroin addiction. Her son was first prescribed opioids when he was injured during high school athletics. Once the opioid took hold, he was never able to shake it. After years of fighting the disease he succumbed to it at the young age of 22. www.ltmfoundation.org  

Stress is insidious. When you lose a child the holiday season can be difficult. The decorations can be hard to put up. The favorite meal that he, or she, loved can be hard to prepare. The joy can be all too easily tempered by the memory and the wonder of what might have been. If you know a person who lost a child, give the gift of a story about their child that makes both of you smile. Give it freely and with love.

Not all who spend a career in helping others find the same path to success. It's our ability as humans to look at the same picture in different ways while still having the same goals at the end that lead us to a more successful result. If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. - Joel Pelland

The perception that alcohol is not as problematic as other drugs is pervasive. That perception is at the root of the challenge to save young lives...and old.

Our interview with Augie Ghilarducci who spent 13 years in prison and now returns to those same prisons to help inmates find a better path upon their own release. He uses his experience to teach successful skills and provide a second chance.   2nd Opportunity LLC

Thanksgiving Eve, the time when the students come home from college to connect with old friends is one of the big party times of the year. Have a plan, enjoy the camaraderie, and get home safely.

We don't talk AT Teens, we discuss ideas and issue WITH teens. It's called communication on a respectful level. This is a refreshing conversation about leadership, growth, and vision for a brighter future. Great things afoot at Glenbard East High School in Lombard, IL.   Rams Committed Twitter

In this episode of 5 Minute Thoughts I share some observations about the art of getting started. Remember, showing up and getting started is half the battle. Once you cross that threshold you are on your way.

Part # 2 of our 2 part interview with Dr. Kathleen Burke. We continue our discussion on how substance use disorder is an evil foe not to be taken lightly. How many potentially great people have we lost to this insidious enemy? Will compassionate care lead us out of the darkness? Dr. Burke argues that Science is our best tool in this difficult battle to save lives.

When friends disagree it's important to remain friends. The value of friendship should not be overlooked. It is the ninth wonder of this world.

The Kathleen Burke Interview Part 1 - The journey to help others in their battle against substance abuse comes to Dr. Burke's home where she discovers the tales told to her by parents of children suffering from the disease of addiction becomes all too familiar. Not to be deterred, she buckles in for the battle.

In this episode of Positive Alternatives 5 Minute Thoughts, (which goes a bit over 5 minutes again, I just can't seem to keep my word) we discuss the merits of living a life the proper way through a plan of mind - body balance. You can't have one without the other.

Our interview with Dagmar Kauffman - Founder of On Balance Parenting, Collaborator, Peaceful Warrior, and Educator of Educators. We discuss how young people are losing out on the opportunity to grow and learn from their mistakes when parents step in and fix what may not really be broken.   On Balance Parenting

In this episode of 5 Minute Thoughts, I share how even us old guys need to work on the basics. Make that thing you wanna' do becomes that thing you easily do. Practice, practice, practice.

There are things that catch your eye when you are surfing the 'net. You know what I am saying. The Internet. Where you read it and just know it has to be true?

Instead of hiding from the conversation of death and dying, isn't a better idea to speak of it on occasion? I don't mean we need to dwell on it. We need to enjoy our precious time here on earth among the living. But it might be healthy for each of us to have a chat from time to time to help ease the inevitable pain we all have and we will leave others with when that time comes.     

In this episode we talk about how positive role models can help clear the view for teens seeking to make positive choices in their lives. It's always beneficial to have a good example to emulate as they live their best life.